Shades of Green

Do you ever play around with makeup? Or do you just stick to your normal routine with the same shades and colors? I like trying new things, and makeup is no exception. I have bluish-green eyes, so I usually stick with eyeshadow in golds and purples because those are true compliments to my eye color...but I thought I'd try something different today and played around with some green shades. I also did some highlighting and contouring as well using different shades of foundation instead of a bronzer and concealer. I wasn't sure how well the green would work with my eyes, I didn't want the colors to clash and look stupid, but it actually made my eyes look brighter. I was super excited with the results and decided to share it with you!

Here's what I used to create the above look:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage as an eyeshadow primer
Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Coverage Foundation as a highlighter
MAC Mineralize Satin Finish Foundation as a contour
Tarte Cheek Stain
Clinique Color Surge Eyeshadow Super Shimmer in daybreak, sparkling sage, and peacock
Clinique Surge Eye Shadow Stay Matte in slate as an eyeliner
NARS Illuminator
Sephora Outrageous Volume Mascara
Armani Rouge D'Armani Lipstick
Armani Eyebrow Pencil

Here's another photo...using a vibrant filter to make the colors pop...love!

Stippling...

Oops! I switched blogging platforms! You'll be redirected to my new blog where you can search for "Stippling" to read about creating the airbrush look....hope you enjoy! Sorry for the inconvenience!

xoxo Kim

Remember in art class there was a technique called stippling? I'm no artist, I can barely write my name legibly, but I use this stippling technique every day...on my face. If you can't remember what stippling is, or didn't have an art class in school, it's basically drawing or painting with tiny dots. This method of applying foundation to your face is what creates the much desired "airbrush effect."

My post on the Flawless Face has been one of my most popular posts, so I thought I'd share another trick with you and demonstrate stippling. I learned this technique from a makeup artist several years ago, and it's a common technique used within the industry.

You'll obviously need a stippling brush, but if you don't have one or don't want to shell out the money for one, you can somewhat create the same effect with a makeup sponge or your fingers...but a brush is best. I actually just bought a great new foundation brush that I'm obsessed with:

This is Tarte's Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush...and it's aahhhmazing! I highly recommend this brush, but if you'd like a more traditional stippling brush, Sephora has one in it's professional brush line. I have it as well.

Back to stippling...

You must start with a clean, moisturized face. How you care for your skin will greatly effect how makeup looks on your face. Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize ladies!

You could apply a primer next to help create an even canvas for your foundation, but I don't use primers unless I'm doing my makeup for a special occasion. So, next is applying foundation. I'm using a Christian Dior foundation: Diorskin Nude Skin-Glowing foundation, another great foundation if you're looking for a new brand. I just happened to have a bit of this left and I'm trying to finish it up...no sense in being wasteful!

I have my own method of stippling, and everyone is different, so go with what works best for you. I like to pump the foundation on my hand first, then lightly dip the brush into the foundation on my hand. And I do mean lightly. You'll be amazed at how little foundation you need when you start using this method.

Once you have a small bit of foundation on your brush, apply it to your face by "dotting" into your skin. Use short, quick taps and the foundation will blend smoothly. After blending well, dip your brush in more foundation and continue stippling across your face. It's that easy! The stippling helps create a smooth, even finish without using a ton of makeup. Of course you can build your coverage as needed for any red or uneven spots, acne, scars, etc. Stippling is also a great method when you're applying foundation over another layer...like primers or concealers.

Oh, and just an FYI...I know some makeup tutorials show you to "buff" and move your brush in circular motions, but that actually raises the small hairs on your face and makes your face look fuzzy (not attractive). It's best to brush using downward strokes so you don't lift those tiny hairs.

Here are links to the foundation I'm using, as well as brushes:


If you're trying stippling for the first time, leave me a comment and let me know how it worked for you!

I'm Blushing

I never knew the power of blush until a few years ago. After applying foundation, you've made a one dimensional canvas, and you need to add definition back to your face (I'll do a complete post on contouring and highlighting soon). Blush is great for bringing your face back to life and giving you a nice, rosy glow. There are a few different types of blush: powders, creams, and gels. Most gels come as tints or stains. These types have more staying power and are great for those with dry skin.

Credit: tartecosmetics.com

My favorite blush? Tarte Cheek Stain in Blushing Bride. Before this product, I only used powder blushes, but the color always faded so quickly. I'm not the biggest fan of powder anything, seeing that my skin is so dry...it just doesn't set well on my face. So when I stumbled upon this product one day a few years ago at Sephora, I was intimidated yet eager to try it. When I think of stain, I think of something that will provide long lasting color, but will not provide much room for error. I immediately became obsessed with this cheek stain. It provides great color, lasts for hours, and even gives me a dewy finish.

It can be tricky using this for the first time, but I was able to figure out the best method for application. Like with any other blush, where you put this product is extremely important. Blush is supposed to look natural, not overdone. It should look like your cheeks were just pinched, not like you're a friend of Bozo. The best trick and the one I've always used is to smile and apply your blush on the apples of your cheek and blend up and outward towards the top of your ear. There are other angles to blend if you're wanting to play around with your face shape (like angle towards your temples if you're trying to thin a round face, angle straight across to fill a thin face). 

I dot the cheek stain on the apples of my cheek and outward, like the picture below. I know, talk about Bozo, but not to worry, this isn't the final result. Once I've applied the product, I use my fingertips and pat the area and blend the color. And that's it...you'll have a beautiful dewy color for the rest of the day or night. 

Top left: 1) Jeez...this pic is worse than my driver's license photo...fresh application of foundation...see how one dimensional my face looks? Top right: Smile to find the apples of your cheeks! Bottom left: Don't be shy with the product, the key is blending! Bottom right: Blended results. See how I have a nice glow?

Other than long lasting color, what are some other perks of using this product? It's formulated without any parabens, alcohol, or oil. So it won't dry your skin out or cause breakouts. Lastly...it smells AMAZING.

You can purchase the Tarte Cheek Stain in several shades at tartecosmetics.com or sephora.com

The Flawless Face

I'm obsessed with the flawless face...that beautiful, even, glowing, natural-looking radiance.  One of my pet peeves is seeing women with an inch-thick layer of foundation and powder on their face. What are you trying to hide and who do you think you're fooling? Heavy makeup is not meant for every day wear. It's meant for evening when the lights are dim, and on stage to make your features stand out. It's not to run errands or wear to work.

Let me share with you how I've been able to create the "flawless face". From my first post, you learned that a good skincare regimen is the foundation for great skin as well as great makeup. You'll never achieve the flawless look if you're not taking care of your skin! There are two products I swear by and each is suited for different needs: Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer and Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. Both are extremely popular among celebrity makeup artists and receive rave reviews and editors' choice awards (both have consistently won InStyle's Beauty Awards). I'll break each one down.

Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer:

Credit: Sephora

I can't remember who introduced me to this product, but I should really thank them. I've been using this tinted moisturizer for at least 4 years now and it's one of my all-time favorite products. Laura Mercier is known for creating the "flawless face." What I love most about this product is how light it is. It goes on so smoothly and has a subtle shimmer that really makes your skin look alive, youthful, and bright. It also has SPF 20 to help protect against the damaging UV rays. Some of you may be thinking a tinted moisturizer just doesn't do the job, but you can build to the coverage you need (build gradually though and you may need to add a light dusting of powder so you don't look like a disco ball...or just use the regular tinted moisturizer that doesn't have the added shimmer). It really gives you a natural, glowy finish. I can't recommend this product enough!

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation:

Credit: Bloomingdales

I've just recently become obsessed with this product. I've read about it for quite some time, and I've never felt the need to shell out that kind of money for a foundation, but in the August 3rd edition of WWD, Armani's newest foundation formula, Maestro, was on the cover. So, me being the product whore, I decided to mozy over to Bloomingdales after work and see what Armani foundation is all about.
This product didn't win InStyle Magazine's Best Liquid Foundation award for nothing. It is clearly that and more! It has build-able coverage so if you are looking for something a bit sheer, not a problem! If you're looking for something with more coverage for uneven areas, piece of cake! The product is a silky liquid that melts into your skin for the easiest blending you'll ever find in a foundation. The best part? It lasts...all day...and all night. It doesn't slide off my face during the grotesquely hot, humid days in the city and never feels greasy or gooey on my skin.

The reason I'm discussing both of these products is because they can be used for separate occasions. I use the tinted moisturizer on weekends and days when I want a minimal makeup look. The foundation I use for work, going out, or when I feel I need the extra coverage. Both are fantastic products and will be permanently found in my makeup arsenal.


Interested in buying these products? Want to learn more? Click the links below...

Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
InStyle's Best Beauty Buys

Already a fan of these products? Leave me a comment below and tell me what you think!